Tow bar: replacement and selection

When and why a tow bar needs replacement

Operational lifetime of a tow bar is not specified by the manufacturer. Common defects of this part are: mechanical damages (dents, cracks), worn out holes for fasteners and deformation of the ball. In some cases the tow bar ball can be totally broken off.

Most often, overloading of a trailer is the cause of all defects mentioned above. Also breakdown of the tow bar may be caused by frequent operation of a car with trailer on rough roads.

Tow hitch defects can be indicated by knocks coming from it. Any visible defects of the ball, such as diameter decrease are also indicating necessity of component replacement.

It is recommended remove the old tow bar and install a new one at a service station, as it requires demounting of the bumper. When mounting a new tow bar its electric equipment should be connected in strict accordance with contact location diagram.

Installing a new component you can fit it with a special cap. This product will protect the part from corrosion. Before the first use the tow bar ball should be treated with a special grease, in order to reduce friction and thus avoid fast wear-out of the part. Treat contacts of the socket with liquid insulation aerosol to improve contact and prevent oxidation.

How to select a tow bar

These components can be steel or cast iron. Also tow bars differ in maximum towing weight.